Thoroughbreds are notorious for their high metabolisms. Bred to work like an athlete, these horses can be tricky to keep at a healthy weight.
Bailey was visibly underweight in April 2017 and needed a new diet.
It was spring, a time when most horses begin to pack on the pounds due to the sweet grasses growing in the fields. Bailey had lost weight throughout the winter and it was now becoming apparent that she was going to need help in order to gain it back. It was strange buying rice bran and weight supplements. I had grown accustomed to Candy Bar who could look simply at food and gain five pounds.
Without the proper nutrition, Bailey would not be physically able to meet the demands of the sport. It was imperative that my trainer and I work together in order to find a diet that would work.
Bailey began receiving a new grain, specifically tailored to meet a young horse’s nutritional requirements. It is called Essential K Tribute and is a great source of amino acids, organic minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants; all of which she was lacking in her feed.
My trainer and I also decided to change Bailey’s turnout routine because she was being bullied by the dominant mares. There was small lot designated to four retired geldings that were docile and could potentially be a better fit for Bailey’s personality.
One in particular, Scooby, took great interest in my big filly and they quickly became great pals.
Bailey and her friend, Scooby, in May 2017.
My trainer advised me to give Bailey some time off, or rehab. Her body needed to rest in order to gain the weight and muscle she had lost throughout the winter.
She was prescribed two months of total relaxation.
An Equestrian Confession. 